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13 Mar 2014

Trees and remembrance

What is the best way in 2014 to honour those who suffered
and died during the First World War?

Talk of ‘celebration’ and comparisons to the Queen’s Jubilee
leave many of us uncomfortable. Recent passionate anti-war protests over threatened
conflict in Syria showed a huge wave of public feeling against warfare and
slaughter. Many of us are all too conscious that wars kill a great many
innocent bystanders, and the euphemism ‘collateral damage’ does not make these
deaths any less shameful. We’re increasingly unwilling to send our young people
off to die for someone’s political agenda. Rather than bombing Syria there’s
groundswell support for peace talks, humanitarian intervention and arresting
those responsible for crimes against humanity. We cannot stand idly by while
civilians are gunned down and tortured, but the majority of us seem to have
realised that dropping bombs on those same civilians is no answer to their
plight.

If we don’t want to rattle sabres, beat drums and pat ourselves
on the back for wars won historically, and if we don’t want to justify the
death toll, what do we do? A year long program of remembrance could easily
become something utterly dull, or depressing. Standing around feeling awful
about the past is not going to help us much, and again, it is poor thanks to
those who died. Do we want meaningless gestures from politicians keen to look
patriotic in public places? I don’t think so.

Surely, the answer to this centenary year, is to work for
peace in the world, and to build a better, more compassionate future? Something
worthy of the dead. Strong relationships in Europe to make sure we do not end
up at war ever again. Better dialogue internationally, to resolve conflicts at
the table, rather than with blood. Most of us won’t be directly involved there,
although our votes in the EU elections have an important role to play.

The Woodland Trust seem to have the best answer. They will
be planting four new woods, and are seeking donations to do this. To find out
more about First
World War Centenary Woodland, visit the Woodland Trust’s website.

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing."Arundhati Roy

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I note that these blogs entries may not be the views of the Green Party, but could be considered campaign material during an election. It must therefore be noted they are printed by, promoted by and on behalf of the Stroud District Green Party, 2 The Laurels, Bread Street, Ruscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 6EL.